ARS | Publication request: Phytosanitary irradiation for fresh horticultural commodities: Research and regulations

Submitted to: Journal of Stored Products Research
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 29, 2012
Publication Date: July 6, 2012
Repository URL: http://DOI: 10.1002/9780470277638.ch9
Citation: Phytosanitary irradiation for fresh horticultural commodities: Research and regulations. In C.H. Sommers and X. Fan eds., Food Irradiation Research and Technology (Revised 2nd edition). Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa. 225-252.

Interpretive Summary: Phytpsanitary irradiation is used to control quarantine insects in exported fresh commodities. In 2006, USDA APHIS approved generic radiation treatments of 150 Gy for fruit flies and 400 Gy for other insects for the first time. Generic radiation treatments will accelerate commodity export approvals. By lowering the dose for specific commodities, costs will be reduced and quality will be maintained. Current issues for phytosanitary irradiation include the 1 kGy dose limit, labeling requirements, and prohibition by the European Union, Japan, Taiwan, and other countries. Codex Alimentarius, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) endorse irradiation as a phytosanitary measure and have published rules, standards, and guidelines to harmonize its use and facilitate trade.

Technical Abstract: Irradiation is used to control quarantine insects in exported fresh commodities. Insects vary in their tolerance to ionizing radiation. Generic radiation treatments of 150 Gy for fruit flies and 400 Gy for other insects were approved for all fresh horticultural commodities in the United States. Generic radiation treatments will accelerate commodity export approvals. By lowering the dose for specific commodities, costs will be reduced and quality will be maintained. Current issues for phytosanitary irradiation include the 1 kGy dose limit, labeling requirements, and prohibition by the European Union, Japan, Taiwan, and other countries. Codex Alimentarius, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) endorse irradiation as a phytosanitary measure and have published rules, standards, and guidelines to harmonize its use and facilitate trade.